City Passes Budget, Wishes for Ratables

WILDWOOD ─ “It took a lot of hard work to get where we are today,” said Michael Garcia, city auditor, May 11 as he introduced a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the 2016 municipal budget. 
Positive and negative aspects of the financial situation were presented along with other matters. Mayor Ernie Troiano emphasized the continued need for more “ratables” to help the city gain revenue and lower taxes.
Commissioner Peter Byron announced the city’s interest in establishing a surf beach. According to Byron, North Wildwood had already requested to share a location; however, the proposed location is between outfall pipes and would be near Wildwood’s dog beach. Commissioners decided to move the location a “little to the south.” According to Byron, a shared site with North Wildwood “unfortunately, will not work” at this time.
During the engineer’s report, reconstruction on Leaming Avenue is “wrapping up” and should be completed by Memorial Day. Progress on Montgomery is slowed due to various issues.
“I’ll turn it over to Commissioner Byron and the Department of Revenue,” Troiano said.
Byron asked Garcia to present the budget. “We have been working intensely since January,” Garcia said.
In a handout, Garcia explained how the local purpose tax rate is increasing “slightly” for 2016. A 2.5-cent tax increase will be implemented and the tax levy is also increasing by 1.87 percent from the 2015 amount.
On a positive note, the city had $2,632,222 in its “fund balance account, approximately $521,000 more than the prior year.”
Although Wildwood’s valuation decreased by “almost $2.4 million,” the city remains under the cap spending limit by $1,212,919. According to Garcia, both water and sewer utility budgets will not impact local taxes.
Troiano opened the floor for a public hearing on the budget.
Why Is It Different?
One resident asked why her sister’s home in North Wildwood is assessed at a higher rate than her own when she pays higher taxes than her sister. According to Troiano, North Wildwood’s ratables “are way higher than ours;” beachfront hotels and other taxable properties also contribute to the lower rates.
“We’re a different animal,” Troiano explained. “We are more urban – they (North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest) are more residential.” Troiano used the analogy of a house, saying, “If the island were a house, Wildwood would be the kitchen” or another “high-traffic” room.
“It’s a hard budget,” Troiano admitted. “We need ratables in our community.”
Mercantile License Hearing
After passing the budget and resolutions, a mercantile license hearing was held for Christian Lambert. Police Chief Robert Regalbuto, John Davis, and commissioners discussed issues at 3007 and 3015 Pacific Avenue, a property owned by Lambert, a retired law enforcement officer.
Regalbuto gave a brief report on previous problems at Lambert’s properties, stating that he wishes “to nip this in the bud” before the 2016 season.
Regalbuto noted Lambert’s cooperation with police during 2015, yet the measures put in place have apparently not worked.
The number of calls read was for one address only, not for the block. Reasons for police calls include underage drinking, robbery, and even sexual assault although no charges were filed.
“We at least need to step in front of this,” said Regalbuto. “Chris is doing everything he can. I want to help Chris.”
According to the fire department, all code violations have been “abated” and Lambert is in “good graces” with the department. Both police and fire officials agreed that Lambert’s tenants were the cause of the problems.
Lambert began to present his case to the board. “I met with the Chief (Regalbuto),” Lambert said. “I call the police, but it’s held against me.” Lambert has rented to young people and has hired security guards and installed security cameras to ensure safety at his rentals.
“I don’t want to cause a problem,” Lambert concluded.
“This has been an ongoing problem,” Troiano said, yet thanked Lambert for calling the police and for his cooperation in the matter. “Come up with a game plan.” According to Troiano, Lambert, and other officials will return on May 16 (Monday) and present the solution they have reached together.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.